The Sterling Institute has been headquartered in Oakland CA for over 30 years.

2.

Is the Sterling Institute profit or non-profit?

The Sterling Institute is a profit company, incorporated in the state of California.

3.

What does the Sterling Institute do?

The Sterling Institute produces the Sterling Men's Weekend and Sterling Women's Weekend as well as other events and publications that forward the understanding of gender differences and their effects on relationships and personal success.

4.

Who is the management team?

Justin Sterling, Professional Staff, and Volunteers.

5.

How long has the Sterling Institute been in business?

The Sterling Institute was founded in 1979.

6.

Why is there controversy over the Sterling Institute?

There are several misconceptions about the work of the Sterling Institute that have led some people to believe it is a cult or other kind of harmful organization. The Sterling Instituteâ€™s detractors have taken many circumstances that in themselves are benign and woven an argument that casts doubt and concern about the Sterling Instituteâ€™s work and activities.

The root of most of these misconceptions lies in Sterling Instituteâ€™s adherence to a strict code of confidentiality. Unfortunately, the Sterling Institute is caught in its own ethical conundrum. Even though many assertions by its detractors are unsubstantiated lies or exaggerations of facts, the Sterling Institute is loath to rebut them, because in order to do so they must breach their own confidentiality rules. Confidentiality is important to maintain the safety and effectiveness of the Weekendâ€™s and post-graduate work.

The Sterling Institute also has hundreds of volunteers working to create a better local community. Along with charitable community service, volunteers help produce the Sterling Men's Weekend and Sterling Women's Weekend because they believe it makes a positive impact on people and the community. Since the Sterling Institute is a profit company, the presence of volunteers seems out-of-place. Additionally, many graduates are moved to offer the Sterling Men's Weekend or Sterling Women's Weekend to friends and associates. This situation is incomprehensible to many people and the only explanation they have for it is some sort of mind control or hypnosis.

Lastly, Justin is a charismatic and profoundly insightful person. He is the founder of the Sterling Institute and the leader of the Sterling Men's Weekend and Sterling Women's Weekend. His philosophy, at one time controversial, has gathered a small group of detractors who are vehemently opposed to his teachings. JustinÂ s great gifts as a teacher, counselor, and public speaker have led some to incorrectly label him a cult figure.

The Sterling Institute does not ask for any money beyond the tuition for the Weekends; it does not require any affiliation after the Weekend, does not have communal living situations; it is anti-alcohol and anti-drug, does not have uniforms, and does not attempt to restrain people from ending their association with Sterling Institute.

7.

Is the Sterling Institute a multi-level marketing company?

No.

8.

What is the relationship between SIR and ICSDF

The ICSDF was originally founded by the graduates of the Sterling Institute and Justin Sterling as the Sterling Community Service Day Foundation. The many good works of the foundation were overshadowed by the early controversy over the philosophical foundation of the Sterling Institute. Detractors of the Sterling philosophy have attempted to discredit the foundation through the media by scaring the public about the Sterling Instituteâ€™s involvement in these charitable efforts. At no time has the Institute exploited the works of the foundation to support its own business, and in fact, the Institute has given large sums of money to the foundation. The Institute has a strict policy of forbidding any kind of promotion of the Weekends at foundation events. The name of the foundation was changed to the International Community Service Day Foundation in 1996.

9.

How can I find out more about the Sterling Institute, Sterling Men's Weekend, Sterling Women's Weekend, Justin Sterling?

The Sterling Menâ€™s Weekends are held in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and New York City at various locations and dates.

2.

What is a the tuition for the Sterling Men's Weekend?

The tuition is $600 (US)

3.

What is a typical Sterling Men's Weekend schedule?

The Weekend starts on a Friday at 12 noon, and approximately 9:00am on Saturday and Sunday.
The Friday and Saturday Sessions will generally complete at 1:00am or 2:00am and the Sunday session is 8:00pm or later.
There are various short breaks during the weekend and one long meal break on Saturday.

4.

Why are the hours so long?

First, there is a great deal of material to cover that would be dificult to fit in a shorter schedule. Secondly, there are sequences of exercises and material that just seem to work better when done in the late evening hours, and we haven't been able to replicate the results otherwise.

5.

Iâ€™ve heard you canâ€™t go to the bathroom?

Not true. You may leave the session room at any time, however you may not be reseated until the next break. If you have a medical condition that requires more frequent trips to the bathroom, you can go as needed.

6.

Why are the weekends confidential?

There are two reasons for the confidentiality of the Weekend:

Participants are expecting the Weekend to make great changes in their personal affairs and relationships, and so many of the topics discussed are deeply intimate and potentially embarrassing. Many participants reveal details of their personal life in asking questions or requesting specific advice. We require participants to keep everything heard in the Weekend strictly confidential to protect all participants and create a safe environment for honest discussion.

Additionally, the Weekend has greatest impact when the participants are unaware of the upcoming exercises or topics. This allows for the spontaneity and immediacy that is a hallmark of the Weekend. When participants are informed ahead of time about the proceedings of the Weekend, the value of their participation will be diminished. Therefore, we request that the proceedings of the Weekend be kept confidential. Thousands of people have completed the Weekend including, police, government officials, clergy, lawyers, psychotherapists and doctors. We trust that their endorsements can allay any fears of impropriety in the Weekend.

7.

Iâ€™ve heard there is nudity?

The spontaneity and exuberance of the Weekend sometimes leads men to engage in many different kinds of self-expression, occasionally including nudity.

8.

Iâ€™ve heard there is a militaristic environment?

The Weekend has a few simple rules that allow for a smooth and productive experience for all. These rules are enforced rigidly. People who are not familiar with such a â€œzero-toleranceâ€� policy often interpret this as a militaristic approach.

9.

Can I register without a sponsor?

No. You must have a sponsor to do the Weekend. However, the Institute can supply you with a qualified sponsor if you require one. Your sponsor will help you prepare for the Weekend.

The Sterling Women's Weekend was originally designed by Justin Sterling as a way for him to teach and counsel women in their significant relationships and careers. In the Weekend, his gender has proven to be an advantage in achieving the results of the Sterling Women's Weekend. There are no plans at this time to alter the design of the Weekend.

2.

What is a the tuition for the Sterling Women's Weekend?

The tuition is $600 (US)

3.

Why are the Sterling Women's Weekends confidential?

Participants are expecting the Weekend to make great changes in their personal affairs and relationships, and so many of the topics discussed are deeply intimate and potentially embarrassing. Many participants reveal details of their personal life in asking questions or requesting specific advice. We require participants to keep everything heard in the Weekend strictly confidential to protect all participants and create a safe environment for honest discussion.

Additionally, the Weekend has greatest impact when the participants are unaware of the upcoming exercises or topics. This allows for the spontaneity and immediacy that is a hallmark of the Weekend. When participants are informed ahead of time about the proceedings of the Weekend, the value of their participation will be diminished. Therefore, we request that the proceedings of the Weekend be kept confidential. Thousands of people have completed the Weekend including, police, government officials, clergy, lawyers, psychotherapists and doctors. We trust that their endorsements can allay any fears of impropriety in the Weekend.

The Weekend starts on a Friday at 12 Noon, and approximately 9:00am on Saturday and Sunday.
The Friday and Saturday Sessions will generally complete at 1:00am or 2:00am and the Sunday session is 8:00pm or later.
There are various short breaks during the weekend and one long meal break on Saturday.

6.

Why are the hours so long?

First, there is a great deal of material to cover that would be dificult to fit in a shorter schedule. Secondly, there are sequences of exercises and material that just seem to work better when done in the late evening hours, and we havenâ€™t been able to replicate the results otherwise.

7.

I've heard you can't go to the bathroom?

Not true. Participants can come and go as they please to use the restrooms. However, loitering outside of the session room is prohibited.

8.

Can I register without a Big Sister?

No. You must have a Big Sister (sponsor) to do the Weekend. However, the Institute can supply you with a qualified Big Sister if you require one. Your Big Sister will help you prepare for the Weekend.

Questions Regarding Men's Division International / Family of Women:

Question

Answer

1.

What are the Menâ€™s Division International and Family of Women?

The Menâ€™s Division International and Family of Women are independent alumni organizations of Sterling Weekend graduates. The Sterling Institute receives no funds from Men's Division International / Family of Women events or dues. There is a close working relationship between the organizations as with any teaching institution and their alumni association.

2.

Can I be a part of the Men's Division International / Family of Women without doing the Sterling Men's Weekend or Sterling Women's Weekend?

Please contact Men's Division International or the Family of Women for information on their policies.

3.

Can I volunteer without doing the Sterling Men's Weekend or Sterling Women's Weekend?

Volunteers help produce the Sterling Men's Weekend and Sterling Women's Weekend, administrative activities, telephone support, and special projects. Typically volunteers give 3 hours per week and their duties can range from office work to event production. Volunteering is a fulfilling activity where having fun and being productive is highly encouraged.

Justin has a degree in sociology. He was a successful business owner and real estate entrepreneur.

2.

How did Justin Sterling get to be an expert?

Justin started informally counseling friends and associates who referred his services to others. As his reputation grew he began to charge small fees. The Sterling Women's Weekend was born out of the commonalities he recognized in womenâ€™s lives and the solutions that he prescribed. His expertise with women led him to start the Sterling Men's Weekend.

Justin changed his name as a young man in the early 70's. His reasons were personal and changing his name was a part of his journey through young adulthood. Justin has always had a close and loving relationship with his parents and they supported his decision to change his name.

5.

Is Justin Sterling married? Divorced?

Justin became divorced in 1994. He has a daughter from that marriage. He is currently married with two sons.

6.

Iâ€™ve heard Justin Sterling has a criminal background?

Justin Sterling does not have a criminal background. In the mid-seventies he plead guilty to a misdemeanor related to an inappropriate money transaction with the federal government. This was acknowledged as bad judgment; full restitution was made and all charges were dropped.